BRYAN, TX — Two convenience store clerks have been charged with alcohol sales crimes in Bryan, Texas, according to a news report released by KBTX.
Police allege that two store clerks knowingly sold alcohol to underage individuals in the Bryan/College Station area during the month of June. Authorities charge that the clerks were either informed of the customers underage status, or were presented with identification that showed the customer to be under age, and was sold the alcohol anyways.
Both clerks have been charged by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission with Sale of Alcohol to a Minor.
The investigation into the incident is currently underway by Texas State Police and TABC officials.
Commentary:
It’s always disheartening to hear of cases like this in a state that is so well armed with liquor liability laws. The fact that these undercover TABC operatives identified themselves as underage, both verbally and through identification, and were furnished with alcohol anyways. If these kids went off and got intoxicated, and caused the accident, under Texas law, the stores could be held responsible for the damages.
The bottom line is whenever you open a bar, beer or wine store, or a nightclub, you promise the State of Texas that you will serve alcohol in accordance with Texas regulations, and in exchange, you are granted a license to sell alcohol. Selling to underage individuals, selling to intoxicated patrons, or failing to cut off an obviously drunk person is not only illegal, it leaves the establishment wide open for civil liability if these customers kill or injure themselves or another person out on the road.
–Grossman Law Offices